Krispy Kreme coming to Maine, two shops to open this fall

A mid-September opening is planned for Maine's first Krispy Kreme donut shop, in Saco.

The Journal Tribune reported the opening is tentatively scheduled for Sept. 19 with a DJ and events. Construction on another Krispy Kreme shop begins later this month in Auburn.

Owner Cort Mendez told the paper that a manager and assistant manager have been hired and are in training. Nearly 60 more jobs are available; about half are full-time. Benefits for full-time employees include health and dental insurance, college loan assistance and 401k savings plan.

Mendez owns NH Glazed LLC and in 2016 won the right to expand the doughnut chain into Maine and New Hampshire, the Bangor Daily News reported at that time. Krispy Kreme is one of the two biggest national donut chains in a $13 billion industry, according to franchisechatter.com.

Founded in 1937, the chain in 2015 opened its 1,000th store, according to the company's website.

The Auburn Krispy Kreme is slated to become one of two anchors, along with a Firehouse Subs, at a new four-tenant retail center at 410 Center St.